I waited, inspired by HER
spirit, for a repetition of HER martyrdom.
But no--it was not to be. His wife was the next person whom he
addressed. "Who--who--who," he said, stammering with rage, "who asked
this impudent fanatic into the house? Did you?"
Before Aunt Ablewhite could say a word, Rachel answered for her.
"Miss Clack is here," she said, "as my guest."
Those words had a singular effect on Mr. Ablewhite. They suddenly
changed him from a man in a state of red-hot anger to a man in a state
of icy-cold contempt. It was plain to everybody that Rachel had said
something--short and plain as her answer had been--which gave him the
upper hand of her at last.
"Oh?" he said. "Miss Clack is here as YOUR guest--in MY house?"
It was Rachel's turn to lose her temper at that. Her colour rose, and
her eyes brightened fiercely. She turned to the lawyer, and, pointing to
Mr. Ablewhite, asked haughtily, "What does he mean?"
Mr. Bruff interfered for the third time.
"You appear to forget," he said, addressing Mr. Ablewhite, "that you
took this house as Miss Verinder's guardian, for Miss Verinder's use."
"Not quite so fast," interposed Mr.
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